The description club legend is often banded about, but in this case it totally appropriate. Known sffectionately as ''the Knee" Jimmy traverses an era which has seen the club "on its Knees" undergo a phoenix-like ransformation to " a Knees up" entity it is today.

No more so than Jimmy playing his part in the remarkable longest-ever game of rugby in the summer. Indeed his 24 year playing career must go down as one of the longest in the history of the club. A rib injury playing for the Thirds at the start of the season finally brought the curtain down bringing an avalance of tributes from past and present players on facebook including one from Shane Cook captain of the the 2006/7 South Lancashire and Cheshire Division Three Championship winning Southport First team which Jimmy played in.

Shane Cook - "It's been a pleasure to play with you. It must have been a hard decision, one I am not looking forward to when it comes. It's a brave and clever man who makes that decision, and not to carry on and risk serious injury( you've had your fair share). Sometimes you have to put work and more importantly family first. Going miss you."

Current Club Captain Joe Mawdesley adds "Sad to read this mate. It's a genuine honor to be able to say I've played in the same side as you. I reckon that sometimes real courage doesn't lie in what you decide to do, but what you decide not to do. On the up side I reckon you'll be getting a lot of beer being bought for you in the next few weeks."

And there are many others including:

Del Watkins - "Thanks for the 24 years"

James Doran - "Been a pleasure playing with you mate and thanks for your commitment over the last few years. though."

Col Toohey - "Mate. Can't imagine how hard this decision must have been for you. A true rugby player in every measure. It's been a pleasure to have placed my head on your buttocks and guide my hand though your hairy legs on countless occasions".

Simon Kilshaw - "A hard decision to make but you know when its time. 24 years and a world record holder. Its a hell of an achievement"

Dave Hignett - "Enjoyed playing with you James Thomas, good luck"

John Roberts - "Very sad to hear this mate you're so young you've got seasons left in you!!"

Gareth Lang - "You may stand on the sideline but your hart will always be in the middle"

Angus Matheson - "I've photographed you over the past couple of seasons and it's been a privilege"

David Gairn - "Can't imagine choosing or having to make this decision Jimmy! Pleased to have played a long side the knee!! And to have drank a few beers as well!!"

Jeremy Clark - "Some of the best games I played were with you Jim always had a good laugh, your a legend"

Alex Kenny - "Tough call Jimmy, but you'll always be a great club member and I'll look forward to sharing many more drinks with you down there. Well done on your playing career"

Robert Cook "Good luck Jim had some good games with you as well"

Michael Shaw - "Absolute pleasure to play alongside, a lot to be proud of there buddy!"

Rei Chambers - "pleasure going into battle sir see you at the club for a pint"

Craig Pacey - "Sad to hear that mate was a great pleasure to play with u in the same and had some good times.hope to see u down at the club have few drinks"

John Thompson - "Tough call though ultimately the right one. Great playing with you mate. Top player top man"

Benedict Swinson - "Its been a pleasure Sir 'The Knee' !2"

Duncan Carter - "Jim, I not only remember when you were coined as The Knee (I believe it was me who termed it) but also subsequently met the guy you whacked, on business. He had quite an eye!"

Jeff Windle - "Well in Jim - you can join me on the touchline now to share some rugby game memories while shouting instructions to the players & referee - drink in hand of course"

Graham Riley - "Sad to read this mate, and all I can add is my own privilege to have played with you, and for the laughs whilst getting the beers in. Not many will retire a world record holder!!"

Indeed.

From a peronal point of view I am eternally grateful to Jimmy for giving me an opportunity to post one of my better headlines (at least I think so!) which also seems rather apt in lieu of the news,

GOODBYE THOMAS THE TANK, HELLO JIMMY CHOO CHOO!

This relates to aThird team game against Sefton last season. Mike Goodwin takes up the story

Then came the try of the season, several strong phases by Southport and plenty of quick ball left a big overlap which was exploited superbly and after the ball went through the hands the ball found its way to “winger” Jimmy Thomas who ran 30m and swallow dived for Southports 3rd try,

On behalf of the club Jimmy thanks for this and all the other wonderful stories and memories, and your dedication to the cause. You will always be the"Bees Knees" as far as Southport RFC is concerned.

Graham Ellis, President, Southport RFC